Makar Sankranti is one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar, marking the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara).

In 2026, the festival falls on Wednesday, January 14, signaling the end of the winter solstice and the start of longer, warmer days (the Uttarayan period).

Core Rituals

The day is centered around purification and the welcoming of solar energy with prayers and charity.

Ways to Invite Auspicious Energy

• The Holy Dip: Taking a bath in sacred rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, or Godavari is considered highly auspicious to cleanse sins.
• Surya Arghya: Devotees offer water to the Sun God (Surya) at sunrise, chanting mantras to seek health and prosperity.
• Kite Flying: Especially popular in Gujarat and Maharashtra. It also has a health benefit— spending time in the morning sun helps absorb Vitamin D after the long winter season.
• The Bonfire: In many regions (like Lohri or Bhogi), old items are thrown into a fire to symbolize the end of the old and the beginning of the new.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Mythological Stories

Several legends highlight the importance of this sacred day:

Father and Son Reconciliation

It is believed that on this day, Lord Surya visits his son Shani (Saturn), the lord of the Makara Rashi. Despite their differences, this meeting symbolizes forgiveness and strong family bonds. Shani welcomes his father with love and respect, bringing positive change on Earth through the Sun’s blessed rays.

The Descent of Ganga

According to the Puranas, King Bhagiratha succeeded in bringing the River Ganga down to Earth on this day to liberate the souls of his 60,000 ancestors.

Bhishma Pitamah

In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah waited for the Sun to enter Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) to leave his mortal body, as it is believed that departing during this period leads to Moksha (salvation).

Charity on Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is considered one of the most powerful days for charity. It is believed that whatever is donated on this day returns to the donor many times over.

Ideal Items for Charity

• Til-Gul (Sesame & Jaggery): Symbolic of sweetness in speech and providing warmth to the body.
• Khichdi: Donating rice and lentils is common, especially in North India, where it is known as Khichdi Sankranti.
• Warm Clothes: Blankets and woolens are donated to protect people from the remaining winter chill.
• Ghee & Jaggery: Essential for health and energy during seasonal transition.

Pro-Tip: Many people also perform Gau Seva by feeding cows with green fodder on this day to earn spiritual merit and express gratitude to nature.

✨ Wishing you a very Happy Makar Sankranti ✨

Astrologer Annu Sachdeva
Ashtmi Tithi
Magha Krishna Paksh